Hispanics Rip Texas Education Board

Texas – Hispanic lawmakers and academic experts are blasting the Texas State Board of Education for minimizing the contributions of minorities as it attempts to rewrite guidelines for the teaching of history and social studies.

Democratic state Rep. Trey Martinez Fisher of San Antonio said Wednesday the board had become a "national circus" amid fiery debates over proposed new curriculum standards that will dictate what students in Texas learn over the next decade.

Jesus F. de la Teja, a Texas history professor tapped to review the board's proposals, said members are promoting a "romantic" and male-dominated view of history that ignores the state's multicultural heritage.

Chairwoman Gail Lowe countered that the board was following proper procedures and wanted to adopt standards that "include people of all ethnic and racial, cultural backgrounds."